My Hobbies: A Little Introduction to the World Beyond the Piggies
- Mar 18
- 3 min read
When people discover The Squeak Life, they usually meet my guinea pigs first — their stories, their personalities, their little quirks. But behind every squeak is a human being with a whole life full of creativity, mud-under-the-fingernails moments, and a lot of love. So I thought it was time to open the door a little wider and share more of me.
This new blog series, My Hobbies, is a gentle wander through the things that bring me joy outside of caring for our herd. Some are quiet and creative, some are messy and chaotic, and some are simply woven into the rhythm of my everyday life as a mum, maker, and volunteer. Together, they make up the world that shapes The Squeak Life just as much as the pigs do.
🌱 Gardening: My Sanctuary in the Shade
If I’m not inside with the pigs, there’s a good chance I’m in the garden — or at least staring out the window wishing the UK weather would behave. My little micro‑homestead is full of raised beds, pots, compost bins, and big trees that give us deep shade and shelter from the wind. It’s not the sprawling homestead I dream of, but it’s mine, and I love it fiercely.
Gardening is where I breathe. It’s where I feel grounded, capable, and connected to something bigger than myself. One day I’d love land, space, and the freedom to grow more, but for now I make the most of every corner I have.
🧶 Crochet, Knitting & All Things Yarn
I’ve always been drawn to fibre crafts — there’s something magical about turning a ball of yarn into something warm, soft, and useful. Crochet is my comfort craft, the one I can pick up when I need calm. Knitting is my new adventure, full of dropped stitches, learning curves, and little victories.
I love that these crafts grow slowly in my hands. They remind me that progress doesn’t have to be fast to be meaningful.
✂️ Learning to Sew (Mostly for the Pigs!)
I’m a beginner with the sewing machine, but I’m determined. My main motivation? Making cosy items for the guinea pigs that are safe, soft, and exactly how I want them. I’m learning as I go — unpicking seams, celebrating the straight lines, and dreaming up new designs.
It’s a hobby with purpose, and that makes it even more special.
🍲 Cooking for Allergies & Family Life
Cooking became a hobby out of necessity, but it’s grown into something I genuinely enjoy. Ethan has multiple food and environmental allergies, so we modify a lot of recipes to make sure he can eat safely and happily. It’s a constant puzzle, but one filled with love.
There’s something incredibly rewarding about creating meals that make him feel included, not limited.
🎮 Minecraft: Creativity in Cubes
Minecraft is one of my favourite ways to unwind — and one of the loveliest ways I connect with Ethan. We build worlds together, explore, laugh, and sometimes just potter around in our own little corners. I play solo too, especially when I want a quiet creative outlet that doesn’t involve yarn or soil.
It’s a hobby that surprises people, but it’s one I treasure.
🎨 Volunteering at the Parent & Toddler Group
Every week, I volunteer at our local parent and toddler group, and I run the craft area. It’s colourful, messy, loud, and full of joy. We use paint, sticking materials, textures, and anything else that’s safe and fun for tiny hands. I love watching the children explore creativity in their own ways — no rules, no pressure, just pure discovery.
Being part of this community means a lot to me. It’s a space where creativity and kindness meet, and I’m grateful to be part of it.
💗 Why Share All This?
Because The Squeak Life isn’t just a brand — it’s a reflection of my real life. My hobbies shape the way I create, the way I care, and the way I show up in the world. They’re part of the story, and I want to bring you along for the journey.
Over the next few posts, I’ll dive deeper into each hobby — the messy bits, the joyful bits, the learning curves, and the dreams tucked inside them.
Thank you for being here, and for caring about the human behind the squeaks.
Amazing